Hik-Connect is a new service introduced by Hikvision that integrates dynamic domain name service (HiDDNS) along with alarm push notifications. It’s an easier, somewhat more secure way for devices to connect to each other via the internet if you trust the service provider.
Hik-Connect’s P2P functionality allows connections outbound from your device (NVR/Camera) to the Hik-Connect service for alarm push notifications, Live View, play back and much more. The new Hik-connect apps available on both the Apple Appstore and Google Play are designed to work with newer Hikvision NVRs and IP cameras. It allows you to Live View your cameras remotely without the need to open and forward ports on modem or router. It can also save the further hassle of setting up and using the Hikvision’s integrated DDNS or other service providers.
All you need to do is create an account and add your devices into it. It also allows you to playback recorded video to search alarm triggers. When motion detection alarm of your device triggered, you can get an instant message notifications (or emails if you prefer) from the Hik-connect app.
Key Features
- Instant, easy setup
- Real-time monitoring
- Remote Video/Audio playback
- Instant native iOS & Android Push notification
- No port forwarding, UPNP and/or DDNS setup
Not so good
- Server geographic locations
- Can be slow to initially connect
Hik-Connect Setup Guide
Our always updated guide is for newer users to show them how to setup a new Hik-Connect service quickly and easily. If you get stuck or need further support, simply contact us or leave a message in the comments below. In addition to our resource, there’s a heap of great user content in the comments to get nearly everyone through.
Hikvision mentions that you should enable the UPnP function on both your router and device, or configure Port Forwarding manually in your router. Whilst mostly unnecessary it may still be required should you have other software or applications that require these services or for general troubleshooting steps later.
You still can use the Hik-Connect service even if you don’t enable UPnP or configure ports forwarding manually; however, you cannot use Hik-Connect domain name service- which should not be an issue for 99% of use-cases.
Please be aware that the images used in our setup guide may not be the same as yours as camera and NVR software or firmware are updated over time. However, the information and settings required to set up Hik-Connect services are very similar across all supported products.
Preparation
Users need to upgrade your device(s) to the latest firmware that supports Hik-Connect Service. Hikvision NVR’s with version 3.5 or higher are all supported. Contact us or visit Hikvision directly to obtain the latest for your devices.
Please also ensure WiFi is turned off and mobile data is enabled as this will make sure your device can be found outside your home network.
Register for your FREE Hik-Connect account
Very straight forward- just visit the Hik-Connect web portal and register. Here’s a short video if you get stuck.
Adding devices into Hik-Connect account
Users can enable Hik-Connect function via Hik-Connect APP; www.hik-connect.com web portal; iVMS-4500 app or iVMS-4200 client.
Method 1: Add devices via Hik-Connect APP
A great feature of Hik-Connect is the ability to setup using just your mobile phone. Its easy, quick and works in nearly every senario we have encountered. Here’s how:
- Open Hik-Connect app at your mobile
- Add the device by scanning device QR code or inputting device serial number
- Once device is found, select or click ‘Add’ to continue
- Input device verification code to finish
- Go back to Hik-Connect and add all remaining devices
How to find the device verification code?
If you cannot find your verification code check the code on the label printed on the Network Video Recorder or IP Camera.
The verification code can also be found by logging into your devices GUI or directly from the NVR. This is handy if you have already installed your system.
Method 2: Add devices via Hik-Connect web portal
I personally use this method when adding lots of camera’s- remember, both methods do the same thing.
- Type www.hik-connect.com into browser location bar
- Register and account and setup your password
- Login with your account user name and password
- Go to Device Management and click Add to add a device
- Input your device Serial number when prompted then click Search
- When a connection is made to the device a popup will show the model and confirm the S/N. If this is the desired device, Click ‘+’ to continue
- Confirm you get ‘Device configured correctly’ pop-up
- Double click on the IP address and Port No. of a connected device, a new window opens showing the login screen for the device. Enter the user name and password to login into the device
Simply open up or log back into to your mobile Hik-Connect application and ensure your devices are listed and synced up. Here’s another video of the whole process that may be easier for some:
Important Notes
We seem to be getting a few messages from users regarding not being able to connect their cameras to Hik-Connect. In nearly all instances, these users have acquired Grey Market camera’s running older firmware revisions. Updating these Grey Market sourced equipment can be problematic as they will to revert to their original Chinese language settings or even not work at all. We recommend users buy local domestic cameras and equipment from authorised sellers local sellers to minimise this risk.
If have also seen some issues where the verification code needed to complete adding cameras is not correct or not received at all. If the verification method was via internet activation and does not work after a few codes you can either find the verification code on the camera itself (just above the serial number), via the SADP tool or by logging into the camera directly via its direct IP.
Hi All, After turning on HTTPS on the NVR i am now no longer able to access the NVR. Is that something to do with port forwarding not being configured for HTTPS? IS there a way of turning it off? Without being able to access the web portal.
Hello,
How can I access my camera from a remote PC ?
On hik-connect portal, everything seems to be OK
But when I click on my device IP/Port No, “This page cannot be displayed”
On my phone, it works well with IVMS4500.
Can you help me ?
Thank you
same issue here but only after enabling HTTPS. Worked fine before that
SSL can be tricky, especially with self-signed certificates. Have you installed yours and also added the unverified certificate to whatever device you are using to webview the nvr?
when i access my camera on the portal and double click on the ip address and port from another location other than at the site where the camera is stationed i get a notification saying this site cant be reached. do i need to do port fowarding on the router where the dvr is connected because i am trying to access it from a different network
100% correct! Safer ways to do this with VPN’s though and should be considered.
My App keeps on asking to input verification code after i put it in i can see everything then when logging out and in it asks for code again??
one of my camera’s shows a menu on the screen, how do i remove the menu to get back to the normal picture. The menu has an exit (no.9) but a can’t click on it. Any help appreeciated.
my camera is the fish eye one….is not recording…
Hello, i have a stand alone dome camera. i installed the app on my phone. i added the camera with the scan option. It works perfectly on my local network but as soon as i go outside the network it will not connect. any ideas where to start looking to fix it?
Got my IP camera working. Then unplugged it from supply voltage to relocate the camera and then all the hell broke loose. No way I can’t find my camera anymore. It says offline and router cannot find it so I had no change to access it no more. Only way I figured out was that I had to hard reset my camera and start from scratch in order to hik vision app to find my camera AFTER I input its serial numbers etc. No change the app would find it automatically. So bottom line is every time I decide to unplug it the whole shit disappears. Why is that. After resetting all ips still the same as before.
How to reconnect my my nvr to my phone because I change my phone
DO YOU FIX THIS PROBLEM?? HOW??
registrations are not working.
Can anyone please help me out in this
register in PC by site mobile can register it shows error 31
How many devices can i add on hikconnect and cameras?
Key Features : Instant Easy Setup
What a load of horse shit!! 3 days i’ve been trying to add my cameras!!
I’ve followed every online tutorial and how to. Cameras each say they are online.
When I add it states Unable to add. Easy? FFS……I am not the only one. Internet is littered with people with issues. Get your shit together!
Hi Darren, while I’m only a Hikvision supplier- I’m more than happy to help. What are you using to add cameras to your Hik-Connect Account, Android/IOS or via a web browser?
Sounds like you’ve completed every step as the devices are visible. I have had times in the past where Hikvision servers fail to give verification codes and confirmation emails but never adding devices.
HopefullyIt was just a ‘Hikup’ on their end that has resolved itself. If not, we may need to dig deeper and start looking at device firmware. Let me know how you go.
Every time I log back in and have to manually add the serial number again I get a message “the device has been added by another account” and down the bottom “unbind device”. Why ?
Can you tell ne hiw to connect the cameras through the hik connect with mobile data? Not for wifi. I can connect and see whatever live n recordings through the wifi, but i can not see anything through mobile data
I recently bought a Hikvision DS-7A04HGHI-F1\ECO camera and i am trying to setup the HIK CONNECT mobile app
When i enter the camera serial number it then asks me to enter the device verification code which it says is marked on the device label,
but i cant see any markings or labels on the camera? i have also tried entering ABCDEF and restoring the camera to default setting but still doesn’t work
So am wondering is there anyway to get this code ?
Any help would be greatly appreciate
Download the SADP tool and check or you can log into the GUI of the device under NETWORK> Platform access
I am having trouble with the verification code. I am getting the following error: “Device response timed out. Please check the network.” Can you please guide me
Hi Team,
Earlier I could able to connect with hikconnect app and see the live recording.. After few. Days i got error like the device is already added. To the account. I tried to unbind the device but getting incorrect ip address message. My mobile and DVR has connected to same wifi. I tried changing the dvr password..Could someone able to help.
I have to, for some reason, enter my password every time I open a camera on remote view – this was never necessary before. Also when going to playback on the app I also need to enter a password which was not like this before. Password for playback gives me an error (wrong password) but it is correct. How can I view without having to enter password all the time? Thank you
Tried to set up my account with my mobile number and a password but I am told these details are already in use.
Tried using my email address only to be told the same
You’ll have to contact your supplier or Hikvision in your area if you cant reset via email
How can I find verification code HIK-VISION DS-2CD2322WD-I model